"Rob" wrote

I'll give it a go - plenty of pics assured! I'm not sure how much
of an insider's view I'll get, but it should be an intriguing
experience. I've spoken to a few people who've been and the
experience has quite changed their world view.

Glad to hear it!

I would love to visit, especially if I had the time to explore
several different areas. What ppl get out of it depends partly on
how they are able to recognise and relate to other cultures. Many
seem to judge on the number of fish and chip shops and late-night
bars. China must be the biggest culture shock around if you're
sensitive.

My son is currently in Japan, deliberately for the cultural
challenge, but the humdrum of workaday lives takes up so much time
that the expressions of culture are extremely stylised and hard to
get a grip on. Not much quality time with the locals. Rural China
would be a completely different kettle of fish.

But the rate of change must be very confusing for everyone,
including visitors. Chaos is chaos wherever you find it.

cheers, Ian